Waymo vs Uber – Two Different Strategies!

This infographics over partnerships in the AV industry (graciously shared by Augustin Friedel) highlights two striking differences between these behemoths. While this picture may not include every single relation, the differences between Uber – having established by far the highest number of partnerships – and Waymo with just a few, is quite astonishing.

We covered Uber’s expansive streak in a recent newsletter; and that momentum has only intensified this fall. The most aggressive move is a new partnership with Nvidia and vehicle manufacturer Stellantis, aimed at deploying 100,000 robotaxis for its ride-hailing operations. While this number includes the previously announced 20,000 vehicles in a previous deal, the new agreement adds a new dimension to the AV industry as Nvidia (and Stellantis) will now be involved at a deeper and more integrated level. 

For markets outside the U.S., Uber has simultaneously partnered with Momenta, the Chinese AV technology provider, extending Uber’s autonomous ambitions even further into Asia and Europe.

Waymo, on the other hand, largely drives a vertically integrated agenda, at least as regards the AD technology itself - but they have significantly expanded their planned operations. Not only geographically but also into more harsh weather conditions, plus adding access to freeways and selected airports.

It’s worth looking briefly in the rear-view mirror. Waymo’s testing has always originated in the San Francisco Bay Area, but its first commercial service launched in Phoenix in 2020. Four years later, Waymo opened for paying customers in central San Francisco and Los Angeles. Interestingly, the nearly two years they spent learning a relatively small portion of Los Angeles suggested that large-scale deployment across the U.S. — let alone globally — would require significant time.

But apparently Waymo has significantly improved its processes along the way, because now deployment announcements are dropping in faster than raindrops in a Sweden autumn.